Over the past four months Wellington District Police have been undertaking pro active policing activities targeting Cannabis cultivators, Methamphetamine and cannabis dealers across the district.
This targeted approach has seen the destruction of over 2000 cannabis plants, significant seizures of methamphetamine, cannabis and Alpha PVP. 20 firearms were seized from the possession of criminals and a number of assets were also restrained including a house, several vehicles and over $170,000 in cash.
The operation has seen the execution of over 40 search warrants right across the district including Kapiti, Wairarapa, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Wellington City. 79 people have been arrested to date, including 12 gang members or associates, and they are facing various charges including supplying and offering to supply methamphetamine and cannabis, cultivating cannabis, importing Alpha PVP, unlawful possession of firearms as well as various property related offences.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, head of the Wellington Organised Crime team said this operation has focused not only on the location and destruction of cannabis plants being grown across our district but also on those that supply drugs to the members our community.
“The people who sell drugs from drug dealing addresses, can be assured that Police will actively target them and will continue to take action to disrupt their activities and reduce the harm that they cause to the many vulnerable consumers that they peddle their drugs to.”
“The harm Methamphetamine, Cannabis and other drugs causes to our community is significant and many victims are affected by it, this includes not just the user but their families as well. During this operation Police made over 17 referrals to CYF in respect to children whose lives are being negatively impacted by living in drug dealing houses or in the care of the alleged drug dealers that were arrested.”
“Police are only to aware that enforcement alone cannot reduce the demand for illicit drugs or the harm they cause in our communities. We need to all do our bit to help out those friends and family we know are struggling with the effects and problems that drugs cause. One way to do this is to encourage them to seek help and organisations such as the Alcohol and Drug Helpline have trained people that can help you find solutions.”
Police will continue their efforts to disrupt the activities of drug dealers and need the help of the community to do this. They encourage anyone with information relating to drugs supply to contact them in confidence, alternatively, they can provide the information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
For media queries, please contact Tim Leitch, Wellington Police on 04 496 3549.